| First record of Ixodes vespertilionis tick from the Mediterranean horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus euryale) in Kermanshah Province, Iran |
| Paper ID : 1110-IPCA5 (R1) |
| Authors |
|
َAlinosrat Safarei sefidchoghaei *1, Vahid Akmali2 1Razi University, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology 2Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran |
| Abstract |
| The Mediterranean horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus euryale) is a medium-sized insectivorous bat (8–17.5 g) classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is widely distributed across the Mediterranean region, Europe, North Africa, and extends through the Middle East to the Zagros and Elburz Mountains in Iran. This species primarily roosts in caves and exhibits partial migratory behavior, characterized by seasonal regional movements rather than long-distance migration—factors that may influence ectoparasite prevalence and diversity. Ticks of the genus Ixodes are common ectoparasites of bats and potential vectors of various pathogens. Ixodes vespertilionis has been frequently reported from bats throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, but records from Iran are scarce, particularly in Kermanshah province. In this preliminary study, five Rhinolophus euryale individuals were captured in Marheidar Cave, Kermanshah province, during a sampling event in late spring (30 May 2024). Sampling was conducted using a mist net at the cave, with ambient conditions recorded at 22°C and 21.8% relative humidity. Bats were carefully examined for ectoparasites and promptly released. One Ixodes vespertilionis tick was collected, preserved in 70% ethanol, and morphologically identified under a stereomicroscope using established taxonomic keys for bat-associated ticks. This finding represented the first confirmed record of I. vespertilionis on Rhinolophus euryale in Kermanshah province. The tick specimen displayed diagnostic morphological features consistent with previous descriptions of I. vespertilionis. The identification of Ixodes vespertilionis in Kermanshah expanded the known geographic range of this tick species in Iran. However, the limited sample size and single tick occurrence restricted broad conclusions about its distribution or ecological role in the region. Further extensive sampling across seasons and larger bat populations are needed to better understand the distribution, prevalence, and potential pathogen transmission risks of I. vespertilionis among bat communities in Iran. This study provides baseline data on the ectoparasite fauna of R. euryale and underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring of bat parasites for conservation and zoonotic disease surveillance. |
| Keywords |
| Bat, Tick, Ectoparasite, Zoonotic disease, Horseshoe bat. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |
